Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-12-27

SOEN DR1 AN ClIOOl, Aup1Oi u WV S'NJ
and one of the most enterprisiug, public
spirited aud influential of our citizens, died
at bis home, st an early hour on Sunday
morning in the fifly-sighth year of his age,
after briefilness. Cut of ia the midst of
his usefulness be carries with him to his
grave the esteem of an entire community,
who respected him for his merits and hon
ored him for his true worth. Few will be
more missed and none whose death will be
more sincerely lameuted Mr.. Shoots
irisposilion had heen referred to several
times in the GAzETTE, his condition auctu-
ating, sometimes giving his friends cause to
suppose his convalesceLce at band, and at
others causing extreme apprehension. On
Saturday he had seemingly improved, but
early the following morning it became ap-
rarept 20 those whose cesseess vigis had
been over him during his sickness that he
was in a critical, if not dying state, and
summoning the best medical aid and resort
irc to every conceivable method TO arrest
the work of the relentless foe, they resigned
~ awaited the issue nor had they long to
wait for in few hours the vital spark had
fed and The eyes Of the sufferer closed fol-
ever to things terrestrial.
Mr.. Smoot, apart from his official position,
WIS one OF our best known and most popu-
lar citizens, having been born here over fifty
seven wears Ego. He was d son of The late
G. C. Smoot, and In recent years the senior
member OF the firm of c. G. Smoot & Son,
who have an extensive tan yard in this
city and in Sperryville. He had been
prominent in The affairs OF Alexandria
Tor about thirty years, having been
member of the Common Council before the
war; Shortly after the close of hostiities he
was again elected TO the lower board from
the Fourth ward, and chosen president of
that branch Of the City Council, which posi-
ton be held until removed by the fiat OF
musket rule. After the State was taken
back into the uDion the ward in which he
resided developed decided republican ma
jority, g large number OF colored people liv-
ing in that section of the city at that time,
and although several times nominated for
Council he for two or three years failed to
be elected, during which period his ward
was represented by three colored and three
white men-two of the former being in the
Board Of Aldermen. Mr.. Smcot was, how.
ever, subsequently elected to the Board OF
Aldermen, and as chairman Of the finance
committee worked assiduously for the wei.
fare OF the city. In 1885 his friends urged
Hill W LILO may OiUit13 NAiSh no oe
FIRST was 10th to do. bat at their earnest i'm
porluoiiy finally consented to enter the con-
test, and after an unusually exciting can
vass he was elected to the position. He was
re elected Mayor last May. and bis term
would have expired July l, 1889.
The deceased was one of our most useful
citizens and always foremost in any legiti-
mate undertaking looking to the advance.
ment of his native place. He was President
Of the Citizens National Bank, President of
the Mount Vernon Avenue Association and
Past Master Of Washington Lodge of Ma
sons, and by his death void is made in our
communitysw which is not so easily filled.
While sober end conservative in both public
and private life, he never lacked nerve to
embark in any practical undertaking, and
while, like all prominent and successful
men, he may have aroused the jealousy or
enmity CT political rivals. his probity, prac
ticability and philantrophy are acknow-
edged By all with whom ne came in contact.
The City Hall and other public buildings
were draped in mourning, as were also the
fire engine houses, as soon as his death was
known, ard the bells tolled.
A called meeting of the City Council was